Why did Jean Le Rond d’Alembert refuse Catherine II’s offer to tutor Grand Duke Paul?

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In 1762, Catherine II of Russia invited Jean Le Rond d’Alembert to serve as tutor to her son, the grand duke Paul. D’Alembert declined this offer for several reasons:

  • Health and Position: He was concerned that residing in a foreign country would have harmful effects on his health and personal standing.
  • Intellectual Attachment: He did not wish to be separated from the vibrant intellectual life of Paris.1